The Department of Belonging: Future Infrastructures for Inclusive Resident Participation

Abstract

HCI researchers have a responsibility to design infrastructures and technologies that affect the participation of different members of society, especially vulnerable and marginalised communities. However, participation has been relegated to sporadic activities and workshops, rather than institutionalised structures that facilitate participation in tackling big, ’wicked’ problems. In this hands-on workshop we will examine existing structures for participation of residents in a municipal setting, drawing examples from our work with migrants. Together, we will imagine future participatory infrastructures and long-term technological impacts in order to foster durable, resilient communities. We use speculative design as a method to discuss current issues with HCI research and policy in tackling larger, societal issues. Through this workshop, we hope to 1) re-invigorate the field of participatory design and HCI in designing emancipatory technology, and 2) create a community of researchers and practitioners that share and publish an HCI agenda that enables more equitable participatory technologies.